Ear's to you!

Otitis externa, commonly referred to as an "ear infection", is an ear condition characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It is particularly prevalent in dogs with long, floppy ears. Ear infections represent one of the top 10 reasons dogs present to veterinarians and may affect up to 20 percent of dogs.

Infections are caused by fungus, bacteria or parasites. Laboratory tests can help to determine the underlying cause of the infection.
Several factors may predispose dogs to ear infections, including:







Long floppy ears

Abnormal ear conformation or anatomy

Water or hair in the ears

Allergies

Trauma

Tumors

Foreign material in the ears

Parasites

Autoimmune disease

Generalized skin disease

Ear infections can occur in dogs of any age breed or sex.

Dogs predisposed to otitis externa include those with genetic predispositions to abnormal ear canals, such as the Chinese shar-pei chow chows and English bulldogs; breeds with hair in the ears like poodles and terriers; dogs with pendulous pinnae such as the cocker spaniel and Springer spaniels; or outside and working dogs that are exposed to water or foreign bodies. Infections are most common in humid environments or during the summer months.

What to Watch For

Common signs of an infection include:

Scratching or rubbing the ears

Head shaking

An abnormal odor or discharge from the ear

Pain when you manipulate the ear

Redness and swelling of the external ear canal

Treatment

Treatments for otitis externa may include the following:

Cleaning the ear. This can be accomplished by placing solutions in your pet's ear at home or by having the ears cleaned by your veterinarian or technician. Moderate to severe infections may require sedation and in-hospital flushing.

Topical therapy. It usually consists of an ear medication that you place in your pet's ear once or twice daily. The specific medicine and directions will depend on the cause of the infection. It is extremely important to follow your veterinarian's directions carefully.

Systemic therapy with glucocorticoids (steroids) to decrease pain and inflammation.

Antibiotic therapy in cases of severe bacterial infection or ulceration.

Antifungal therapy in cases of severe or recurrent yeast infections.

Anti-allergy therapy.

Home Care and Prevention

Optimal treatment requires a combination of home and professional veterinary care. Be sure to have your veterinarian or his/her staff show you how to place medication into your pet's ears.

Do not use cotton swabs in the ear; these may push infection and/or discharge deeper into the ear canal. Clean the ears before applying medication.

Return to your veterinarian for follow-up examinations as suggested.

At home special care of your pet's ears can help to maintain healthy ears. Dry the ears after bathing or swimming and check ears for foreign matter.

Also, at the first sign of scratching, head shaking, pain, swelling, odor, or discharge, have your pet's ears checked by your veterinarian.